Buffalo-based Solar Liberty recognized as top solar contractor in New York

Submitted

Thu, Jul 26th 2018 05:00 pm

Ranked #58 in US by Solar Power World

In 2017, more than 10,600 megawatts (MW) of solar power were installed in the U.S. Solar Liberty, a Buffalo-based solar installer, has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its contributions to the industry: The company achieved a national ranking of 58 out of 450 solar companies on the magazine's 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. This ranking also places Solar Liberty as the No. 1 top solar contractor in New York.

The Top Solar Contractors list is developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the country. Compiled annually, the Top Solar Contractors list recognizes the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year.

The 2018 list was released on Tuesday.

"Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors," said Kelly Pickerel, editor-in-chief of Solar Power World. "The 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after the rush in 2016 to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year's high. We're happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets."

Solar Liberty employs 85 workers who installed more than 30 MW of solar power in 2017. Since its founding in 2003, the company has installed more than 60 MW of solar. Brothers Adam Rizzo and Nathan Rizzo founded Solar Liberty in Buffalo and installed the first system in 2005. The company was recognized by Inc. Magazine as a 2008 fastest-growing company - ranked fifth amongst the energy sector. NYSERDA also awarded Solar Liberty as the Largest Solar Installer in New York State.

The company is also a major supporter of Solar Liberty Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission of providing first-ever solar electricity to developing nations. SLF has completed numerous projects including a 2017 solar installation at Kitenga School for Girls! in Kitenga, Tanzania. In 2010, after earthquakes and a hurricane-decimated Haiti, Solar Liberty Foundation installed solar energy systems and provided solar energy kits to help the people of Haiti.

"We pride ourselves on widespread education of solar energy in any community where we install systems," said Adam Rizzo, president of Solar Liberty. "We are thrilled to have earned the No. 1 spot for New York state, No. 58 overall in the U.S., and No. 11 in the country for commercial solar. Our team of bright employees (many earning degrees from New York state colleges) are passionate about our mission and they are the reason we are the top solar company in New York state in 2018. Our experience, engineering, customer service and philanthropy set us apart from other installers."